Tots’ tribute to Brightest Star
Raising funds in memory of Joshua
One of East Kilbride’s brightest little stars was remembered during a special balloon release this week.
Youngsters from Happy Days Out of School Care put their best feet forward during a sponsored walk in memory of two-year-old Joshua McKechnie who died suddenly earlier this year.
The fundraising event was in aid of the Brightest Star charity which provides support to broken-hearted mums and dads who have lost a child.
Joshua was the beloved nephew of Happy Days senior play worker Julie McKechnie.
The tragic toddler died in January following symptoms of a common virus.
It was later confirmed he had the deadly throat disease Group A streptococcus and was suffering from pneumonia.
Julie, of Whitehills, told the News the fundraiser was an emotional day.
She said: “Josh’s death was very sudden and a big shock to everyone.
“The Brightest Star charity offer support and counselling to families and were a huge help to my sister, Josh’s mum Louise.
“We miss Josh every day, he’ll never be forgotten.
“I’m so grateful to the staff and children at Happy Days for their support.
“Louise would like to thank everyone at Happy Days for all their hard work in raising funds for Brightest Star and wants to tell Joshua she loves him to the moon and back.”
More than 50 kids set off from the Happy Days base at Westwood Parish Church on Thursday and made their way to the nearby ‘elephant’ park where they completed six circuits of the pitches before letting red balloons off into the sky in tribute to little star Josh.
Their fundraiser is one of a whole host of events to be held in aid of both Brightest Star and Woman’s Aid East Kilbride.
With £400 collected so far, the children will also be raising funds for the two causes through Children in Need, bake sales and a talent show over the next few weeks.
Happy Days manager Lisa Crawford said: “Brightest Star is a dedicated charity close to Julie’s heart and we wanted to do something to benefit an East Kilbride charity too so chose Women’s Aid.
“At Happy Days we always like to try to give something back to help others. This is the first time we have done a walk and it was so successful we plan to do it again next year.
“Some of the children each raised £100 which was fantastic. We are still collecting and raising more funds so we expect to raise hundreds of pounds which will be split between the two charities.”